BRICS diplomats support China's free-trade advocacy

Senior BRICS country diplomats voiced support on Friday for China's call for boosting free trade and opposing protectionism as emerging markets work together to inject power into economic growth.

More than 100 diplomats, officials and bankers from BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - gathered on Thursday and Friday at the 2017 First BRICS Sherpa Meeting in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, to discuss preparations for this year's summit in Xiamen, Fujian province.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi said at the opening ceremony that BRICS countries have to work together to maintain the openness of global economies.